Dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular risk - key considerations in South Asians

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality. It disproportionately affects South Asians, who face an approximately two-fold higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a particularly pronounced excess risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, when compared to White Caucasians. Dyslipidaemia is a major modifiable CVD risk factor, with South Asians being more predisposed to more atherogenic lipid profiles. Understanding cardiovascular risk in South Asian populations requires recognising key differences in risk factors, disease presentation, and treatment strategies compared to other ethnic groups. This narrative review highlights the need for targeted research and culturally tailored interventions to optimise dyslipidaemia management and reduce the disproportionate burden of CVD in South Asians.